Will Chennai's New 170 ANPR Cameras Combat Wrong-Side Driving?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 170 new ANPR cameras to be installed across Chennai.
- Investment of Rs 3.74 crore for enhanced traffic monitoring.
- Cameras will capture images at speeds up to 150 km/h.
- Evidence generated will support legal actions against violators.
- Focus on reducing accidents and improving traffic compliance.
Chennai, Aug 31 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) is poised to enhance its crackdown on wrong-side driving by introducing 170 new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras throughout the city.
A tender amounting to Rs 3.74 crore has been issued for this initiative, aimed at boosting surveillance, streamlining fine issuance, and ensuring smooth integration with the central traffic command system.
The new cameras will be strategically placed at crucial intersections and major roads where violations frequently occur.
Each unit will capture high-resolution images of vehicles traveling against the flow of traffic and will automatically generate e-challans by connecting with the Vahan and Sarathi databases.
The evidence collected will also be admissible in legal proceedings, thereby promoting stricter enforcement.
This system is engineered to capture number plates even at high speeds of up to 150 km/h and operates efficiently under various lighting and weather conditions. It will be linked with the city’s intelligent traffic management platform, facilitating continuous monitoring and data-driven traffic control.
The issue of wrong-side driving persists in Chennai, especially along GST Road, Poonamallee High Road, and Old Mahabalipuram Road. In 2023 alone, over 74,000 violations were recorded, with the eastern area accounting for the highest number of infractions, followed by the northern and southern sectors. Approximately 35 percent of these violations were identified through existing cameras.
Key hotspots include Thambu Chetty Street, Retteri Junction, and Madhavaram Roundtana in the north; Vadapalani Junction, LB Road Signal, and the 200-Feet Radial Road in the south; and Barnaby Road Junction, Valluvarkottam Junction, and PS Sivasamy Salai in the east.
Traffic officials anticipate that this expanded network of cameras will greatly enhance compliance, diminish accidents caused by reckless driving, and alleviate congestion throughout the city.
This initiative aims not just to penalize lawbreakers but to foster a deterrent effect by ensuring that violations are systematically recorded and acted upon.
While the technology-driven strategy is expected to yield positive outcomes, authorities emphasize that ongoing monitoring and effective maintenance of the system will be essential for its success.
The rollout of ANPR cameras signifies another stride in Chennai’s mission to cultivate a safer and smarter urban traffic landscape.